Cross-Sectoral or Other Sector
Green Purchases
As a general rule, Tompkins County purchases vehicles and office equipment through the New York State Office of General Services (OGS). At the present time however, the County does not have a formal purchasing policy in place regarding the energy efficiency of office appliances such as computers, fax machines, and printers although they are available through the OGS. The Local Action Plan recommends that the County adopt an energy efficiency purchasing policy that requires all new office equipment to meet or exceed ENERGY STARŪ standards. This type of policy could reasonably cut emissions by at least 87 tons eCO2 by 2008. In addition to office equipment, other types of purchasing should be addressed in the countywide policy. For example, building renovation and new
construction projects should include energy efficiency measures in the project
specifications.
ENERGY STARŪ is one of the Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary climate change partnership programs helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The program provides easy-to-recognize ENERGY STARŪ labels for more than 35 product categories that enable businesses, organizations, and consumers to realize the cost savings and environmental benefits of energy efficiency investments through a straightforward market-based approach. The 2001 Annual Report issued by the EPA details the success of the ENERGY STARŪ program, and shows that partnerships continue to benefit the environment and consumers. The report estimates that through voluntary efforts such as ENERGY STARŪ, Americans have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 38 million metric tons of carbon equivalent - the same as taking more than 25 million cars off the nation's roads. Office equipment with ENERGY STARŪ ratings can increase energy savings by powering down and entering sleep mode when not in use for prolonged periods of time. A conventional desktop computer and monitor use an average of 506 kWh per year. An ENERGY STARŪ labeled computer, in sleep mode, uses 70% less electricity than computers without power management features. Monitors can use as much as 90% less electricity. Combined, an ENERGY STARŪ labeled computer and monitor would use an estimated 225 kWh per year, a reduction of 281 kWh per year. If the County phased out an estimated 600 old computers and replaced
them with ENERGY STARŪ rated models a savings of 168,600 kWh per year, or 87 tons eCO2, could be realized. Other office equipment could further reduce electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ENERGY STARŪ labeled copy machines and fax machines use up to 40% less electricity while printers use up to 60% less. Spending a large portion of time in low-power mode not only saves energy but helps equipment run cooler and last longer. Additional savings on air conditioning and maintenance may also be realized as a result of less heat from lower powered office equipment.
Power Generation Sector
Energy Conservation
Maximizing the efficiency of existing energy-using products in the workplace can also achieve significant emissions reductions in addition to purchasing policies for newer, more energy efficient equipment. The most effective way to maximize energy efficiency is to use less energy. Energy conservation measures are generally small behavioral changes that, cumulatively, can make a big difference. The Local Action Plan recommends encouraging less consumption to reduce 56 tons eCO2 by 2008. This represents less than one percent of current county government emissions.
The key to a successful conservation program is to encourage departmental participation and specifically recognize departmentwide and individual actions. Conservation does not mean deprivation. Everyone needs adequate lighting, heating, and cooling in the workplace. However, there are a number of conservation measures that can be effectively instituted. Some of these include:
• Promote energy education, training workshops, and participation incentives.
• Use natural light whenever possible.
• Turn off unnecessary lights.
• Enable power management features in computers and other office equipment to
maximize savings. (Screen savers do not save energy; complex screen savers actuallyincrease energy use)
• Shut down computers at night.
• In the winter, close window coverings at the end of the day to cut down on heat loss. In the summer, close window coverings during the day to avoid the heat gain of direct sunlight.
• Turn off all lights at night, including task and office lights.
• Turn down heaters when closing for the night.
• Reuse and recycle paper products.
Transportation Sector
Greening the County Vehicle Fleet
In 1998 the County owned 122 vehicles and spent $41,000 in fuel costs. Gasoline and diesel use from county vehicles produced 752 tons eCO2, which represented 11% of the County's total emissions. Generally, the departments that spent the most on vehicle maintenance had the oldest vehicles in the fleet, and those vehicles emitted the highest levels of emissions per mile. This suggests a need to replace older vehicles with newer, more fuel-efficient models. Such an action may require an initial outlay of capital, but the savings would accrue from lower maintenance and fuel costs in the long run. In addition, there may be other measures that could be implemented to achieve cost and energy savings.
The Local Action Plan proposes to establish a "Green Fleet" policy to address the overall management, operation and procurement of fleet vehicles owned and operated by Tompkins County. The policy will improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase the capacity of the fleet to save the County money. The City and County of Denver Colorado enacted one of the first Green Fleet executive orders on Earth Day 1993. Originally, the program set targets of 1% and 1.5% annual average reductions in fuel expenditures and CO2 emissions, respectively. After achieving substantial reductions over seven years the order was revised in 2000, and new goals were targeted to provide more flexibility. If Tompkins County government were to reduce vehicle emissions by a modest 3% over the next four years, or approximately three-quarters of a percent per year, it could prevent the emission of 23 tons eCO2. The County will provide public leadership, save money, benefit from an environmental perspective, and provide an example to private companies. The County should adopt a resolution to establish a Green Fleet policy, thereby formalizing the process. A committee can be charged with working
out the details at the departmental level with program performance monitored by a review committee. The policy should set realistic goals for reducing energy use, air pollutants, and carbon dioxide emissions for the overall fleet.
There are many cost-effective and practical measures that can be implemented which include:
• Right-size vehicle fleets by downsizing and eliminating vehicles.
• Incorporate mileage efficiency into bid specifications.
• Require regular maintenance and upkeep.
• Require phase out of older vehicles and replace them with newer, more fuel efficient models.
• Optimize vehicle travel, operation, and maintenance.
• Substitute other travel modes, or reduce the need to travel.
• Purchase fuel efficient, alternatively fueled, and electric vehicles.
• Approach local car dealerships to negotiate bulk purchasing prices for alternative
fuel vehicles.